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177: Under Attack

Penulis: Tarina
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-03-28 22:19:43

[Lincoln]

My father and I settle into the dimly lit study of my grandfather-in-law. The heavy scent of old books and polished mahogany fills the air, mixing with the faint aroma of cigar smoke that seems embedded in the very walls. The room is grand—intimidating even—with its high ceilings, dark oak shelves lined with legal tomes, and an air of quiet authority that only men like my Harold Walcott can command.

My father shifts in his chair beside me, his hands clasped tightly in his lap, his shoulders stiff. He’s nervous—hell, even I’m a little uneasy. Grandfather sits across from us, his expression unreadable, but the slight downturn of his lips is enough to tell me this won’t be a pleasant conversation.

He clears his throat, his voice steady and sharp. “There are some matters that still need settling, and I’d like us to be clear on the Clement Thompson situation before we move on.”

Straight to the point, as always. No sugarcoating, no unnecessary pleasantries.

My father exhales, nodd
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  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    178: Under Attack II

    “We’re under attack!” my father rasps between violent coughs, his voice hoarse, barely audible over the chaos erupting around us. His eyes are bloodshot, his face paling by the second as the toxic air claws its way into his lungs.“Who would dare do such a thing?!” Grandfather barks, his voice raw, but the words barely make it out before another violent cough racks his body.My heart slams against my ribcage as I take in the horror unfolding around me. My mother suddenly appears, her face pale as a sheet, her breathing labored. She looks frantic, her eyes darting around until they land on me.“Lincoln—”“Don’t say anything, Mom. Reserve your breath.” My tone is sharp, commanding, but I can’t afford for her to waste energy. “Where’s Arella?”Her eyes widen. Panic flickers across her face. “I—I don’t know. We were all just having a conversation, and she wanted to ease herself. Then, after a while, fumes started pulling out of the vents—” She breaks into a coughing fit, struggling to fin

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28
  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    179: Smoke And Cyanide

    [Arella]“Lin…coln…” My voice is dry and coarse, barely more than a whisper, but he hears it.He’s kneeling beside me in an instant, his face twisted in a mixture of fury and raw pain as his gaze lands on the gash at the side of my head. His touch is gentle but trembling, like he's afraid to hurt me more."Who did this to you? How did you—" He coughs violently, the sound wet and ragged.A drop of blood falls from his lips.My heart clenches.Tears well in my eyes, blurring my vision as they spill like heavy rain. A thick, metallic scent clogs my nostrils, and my stomach turns."What’s that smell, Linc?" I murmur, my body swaying.Before I can process anything, I feel myself lifted, cradled in his arms. My body is too weak, too heavy, but the movement jolts another coughing fit from my burning throat.A firm hand presses something against my nose. His handkerchief.“Cyanide,” he rasps.My heart sinks into my stomach.My body tenses, horror gripping my chest like a vice.I know what cya

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-29
  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    180: His Promise

    [Arella]Lincoln looks conflicted, his jaw tightening like he’s holding back a war inside himself. His body is tense, his breaths uneven, like he’s trying to convince himself of something even he doesn’t believe. Then, suddenly, he presses a lingering kiss to the top of my head. It’s warm, firm—full of something unspoken. It should calm me. It should tell me everything will be okay.But it doesn’t.Not when I don’t know what’s coming next.Not when something in my chest screams that this moment is slipping away—slipping through my fingers like sand.“I swear, I’ll come back.”His voice is rough, almost torn. There's something final in the way he says it, something that sends an icy wave crashing through my veins. Before I can respond, he steps back, pulling free from my grasp. My fingers, weak and trembling, try to hold on, but it’s like trying to catch smoke.No.A frail voice breaks through the tension. "Are you sure about this, son?"The words barely register, but I know that voice

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-29
  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    181: A Hero's Fall

    [Lincoln]"I can't find her Lincoln!" Ryder’s voice is hoarse, nearly drowned out by the chaos around us. The building groans under its own destruction, flames licking at the walls like ravenous beasts. Smoke burns my throat, but I push forward.Part of me feels gut-wrenchingly guilty for leaving Arella behind. The other part knows she’d never forgive herself if something happens to Bam Bam tonight.The masks we hastily put on do little against the toxic air. My lungs burn with every breath, and more blood spills from my mouth as Ryder stumbles, barely able to stand. His face is pale, sweat streaking through the soot clinging to his skin. I don't think he can go any further.Looking at Zach, I grit out, "Take him out. I'll check the eastern side.""But sir—" he starts to protest, his own steps faltering."Go!" I bark, shoving him toward Ryder before forcing my way deeper into the hellscape.I surge forward, weaving through the inferno, lungs screaming in protest. The cyanide gas hiss

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-29
  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    182: Joy & Ruin

    [Arella]"Move out of the way! Move!"The voices around me blur together, frantic, overlapping, desperate. Hands grasp at me, shifting my body, prodding, fussing. My head lolls to the side, the world a hazy, spinning mess of colors and noise.A guttural scream rips through my throat as another wave of unbearable pain tears through me. My body jolts, arching off the surface I’m lying on, my fingers clawing at the sheets beneath me. It feels like my insides are splitting apart, as if something is twisting and wrenching me from the inside out."You have to hold on—please, Arella!"I shake my head weakly. I can't. I can't do this.“My baby—” I gasp, barely able to get the words out. “It’s coming. I—I can't—”I sob through gritted teeth, my breath coming in sharp, shallow gasps. Panic claws at my chest, tightening like a noose.Loud beeps pierce through the room—machines, monitors, voices shouting medical jargon I can’t comprehend. A sharp, burning pressure builds in my stomach, spreading

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-29
  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    183: Joy & Ruin II

    [Arella]"Wait! Come back!"My feet pound against the ground as I chase after Lincoln’s retreating figure. He moves farther and farther away, his broad shoulders rigid, his pace unwavering. Panic grips my chest, crushing the air from my lungs."This is goodbye, Ella." No! It’s not."Stop! Stop!" I scream, my voice shattering in the empty void between us.But he doesn’t stop.With a startled gasp, I jolt upright, my breath coming in rapid, uneven pants. My chest rises and falls erratically, my heart hammering against my ribs like it’s trying to break free. The force of my abrupt movement sends sharp, agonizing waves of dizziness crashing through my skull, a pounding headache threatening to split my head open. My throat feels raw, my skin clammy with sweat.Disoriented, I reach up, fingers trembling as they graze my head, feeling the rough texture of gauze wrapped tightly around it. Where am I?My instincts take over, and my hands fly to my stomach. The panic sharpens, squeezing my lun

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-29
  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    184: Steel & Softness

    [Arella]SEVEN MONTHS LATER"Mrs. Sawyer! Over here! Mrs. Sawyer, one picture, please!"The flashes are relentless, blinding. Cameras snap like a firing squad, their rapid shutters echoing through the grand hall. My smile is practiced, perfect—curved just right to look pleasant but not warm, professional but not too inviting. A mask I’ve worn so well, it’s almost second nature now.My grandfather steps beside me, his presence commanding the room with effortless authority. He pulls me in for a brief hug before turning to the podium, his voice rich with pride."Thank you all for joining us today for this historic handover ceremony."Applause ripples through the crowd, excitement buzzing like an electric current. Months of grueling work, endless negotiations, and sleepless nights have led to this moment. I’ve trained, fought, and bled to earn my place here, and now—"After extensive strategic planning, rigorous restructuring, and unwavering commitment, I am proud to announce the rebrandi

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-29
  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    185: Hope And Dead Ends

    [Arella]“I knew I’d find you here.”The sound of hurried footsteps echoes through the open-air space, and I don’t need to turn around to know who it is. Bridget’s voice carries with its usual warmth, laced with the slight breathlessness of someone who should not be rushing anywhere—especially not in her condition.I finally glance over my shoulder, and sure enough, she’s striding toward me, her baby bump leading the way, a radiant contrast to the sharp concern flickering across her face. Behind her, Jordan follows, looking both exasperated and helpless, like a man who has long given up trying to slow her down.“Congratulations, Ella!” Bridget beams as she reaches me, wasting no time in pulling Theodore from my arms.A delighted squeal erupts from my son as he claps his tiny hands, his chubby legs kicking excitedly. “There’s my favorite godson!” Bridget coos, spinning him in her arms.Jordan’s face drains of color. “Bridget! Don’t twirl like that—you’ll affect the baby! And Theo!” He

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-30

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  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    Author’s Note

    Wow. What a journey it’s been, right? Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sticking with me through this wild, emotional journey. Arella and Lincoln's story has been so close to my heart, and I hope it’s touched yours too. Your support means more than words can say, and I’m so grateful for every single one of you, you guys are the real MVPs. ❤️ P.S. If you loved this story, I’d be over the moon if you gave my future books a read. Trust me, more heart-tugging, exciting stories are coming your way!Until next time, Tarina (⁠◠⁠‿⁠◠⁠)⁠—⁠☆

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    Epilogue II

    [Arella]I whip around, eyes widening as I practically leap off Lincoln's lap in surprise."You're here!" I blurt, caught off guard but grinning. "I thought you said you couldn’t make it."Standing there, looking sheepish and a little road-worn, is Deric. He scratches the back of his head, wearing that same awkward, harmless smile he has these days."I wouldn’t have made it," he admits, voice a little raspy from travel, "but my flight was delayed... so I thought, what the hell, why not crash the party anyway?""Deric," Lincoln says, stepping up beside me, his hand still resting easy at my waist."Lincoln," Deric replies with a short nod, his voice even.There's a brief pause—more out of old habits than real tension—before Deric extends his hand. Lincoln studies him for a beat, then accepts the handshake without hesitation, the corners of his mouth lifting in a faint, civil smile.The tightness I hadn't even realized was clenching my chest slowly eases."This is, uh, for your son," Der

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    Epilogue

    3 MONTHS LATER[Arella]"Grandpa really outdid himself this time, Mila," I laugh under my breath, wide-eyed as I take in the mansion decked out like something straight out of a storybook. I should’ve known better when he said he’d ‘take care of everything.’ With Grandpa, that’s just secret code for ‘go big enough to make even fairy tales jealous.’Mila giggles, but then her face goes pale. "Well, we all know how–"She cuts herself off, rushing to her son, who’s happily stuffing his face with edible flowers."Oh my God, Wayne! Spit that out!" she yells, running after him."No no! Cakeee!" he laughs, trying to run away.I roll my eyes and snatch the small board of tasks from her hands. "Looks like you’ve got your hands full already with this little turd," I mutter, pinching Wayne’s chubby cheeks. He sticks his tongue out at me, playful as ever. I shake my head and take the board from her, walking around the room, coordinating with the staff to make sure everything’s perfect.****"Why a

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    213: Final Verdict

    [Arella]TWO MONTHS LATERThe courtroom is cold, Not physically—but emotionally. It's almost too quiet.My hands sit frozen in my lap, unmoving for the past five minutes. A dull, anxious ache hums beneath my skin, but I can’t bring myself to shift. Lincoln sits beside me, our fingers tightly laced, grounding me. His other hand works swiftly over his phone, typing out what I’m sure are urgent work emails.Work had only gotten busier since he resumed.You’d think having two CEOs would make things easier. It only doubled our workload.I had tried to argue my way into stepping down, maybe becoming his VP or something less suffocating—but Lincoln wasn’t having any of it.Apex Conglomerate was clawing its way into the world’s elite, growing bigger, louder, more powerful by the day—and Lincoln made it crystal clear he wouldn’t let me miss a second of it.I blink myself back to the present as the judge adjusts his glasses, his stern gaze dropping down to the man standing trial.The man who a

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    212: Finally Home II

    [Lincoln]The car pulls up to Witmoore Gardens, a private area owned by the Sawyers for intimate family events, tucked away from the noisy chaos of the outside world. The afternoon sun kisses the neatly trimmed hedges and the white blossoms that line the entrance sway gently in the breeze.I can't help the heavy thump of my heart at the thought of seeing my family again. A real, physical ache throbs inside my chest as the driver cuts the engine and we step out.We exist the car and take a slow walk down the stone-cobbled path, the soft crunch of gravel beneath our shoes filling the warm, floral-scented air. Arella’s hand is securely locked in mine, her presence grounding me even as my nerves threaten to tangle my steps."Your palms are sweaty, Linc. Are you nervous?" she teases softly, giving me a look so warm and tender it makes my heart trip in my chest like a reckless drum."Maybe," I reply, my voice coming out lower and raspier than intended.Her grin only grows. "Aww, they don't

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    211: Finally Home

    [Lincoln]I mean, sure, Arella and I appeared on TV a few days ago when the Mayor of Chicago wanted to publicly appreciate our efforts, and I knew—rationally—that everyone must know I'm alive now. But I didn't expect this.I didn't expect the entire airport to already be flooded like a damn concert just to catch a glimpse of us. The jet had barely touched the runway, the tires still hissing from contact, and yet-it’s like the whole damn city of San Diego decided to show up for a party.From the distance, the sharp staccato of camera shutters echoes through the thick, humid air, flashes popping like fireworks across the runway. The chaotic chorus of reporters shouting questions and calling our names roars louder with every step we descend.A cheeky, loopsided grin spreads across Arella’s face as we start down the stairs of the jet, her hand still tightly locked with mine, her spirit practically buzzing with unbothered amusement. Her entire energy screams: I own this moment."You're lov

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    210: Mile–High Confessions

    [Lincoln]I never thought I’d be lucky enough to marry a superheroine, but here I am, with the most incredible woman by my side.The night wraps around us like a soft, comforting robe. The jet hums beneath us, its quiet rhythm like a lullaby carrying us away from the chaos. We’d spent another three, exhausting days in Chicago, collaborating with the police and drug enforcement agencies to dismantle one of the city’s most dangerous syndicates, ensuring every production of that deadly injection was stopped in its tracks. But now, as I watch my wife sleeping peacefully-her face bathed in the gentle glow of the cabin lights—a rush of emotions fills me. It’s more than warmth. It's something deeper, something that settles in my soul and touches every fractured part of me. It feels like a healing, like a light that’s always been missing inside me, now shining so brightly it threatens to overflow. Heaven knows, if the roles were reversed, if I’d been the one forced to raise a child alone f

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    209: The End Of It All

    [Arella]“Fuck you, Lincoln Sawyer!” Thompson’s voice tears through the air, cracked and furious, soaked in desperation as he launches backwards with one final burst of rage. His boot slams into Lincoln, sending him staggering back a few steps and before I can even think, he’s charging at me—wild-eyed, unhinged, like something that’s crawled straight out of hell and decided it wants to drag me back with it.But Lincoln doesn’t go down easy.He moves like something deep inside him just snapped back into place. One moment he’s stumbling, breathless, the next he’s lunging like a damn freight train, grabbing Thompson mid-sprint and twisting with enough force to rattle the concrete under our feet. Thompson’s body slams into the ground with a sickening thud, the gun flying from his hand and skittering across the floor with a metallic scream as the punches from Lincoln connects with his face.“Arella!” Lincoln’s voice cuts through the chaos, raw and real.With thinking anymore I run to him,

  • The Billionaire's Forgotten Ex-wife    208: Violence And Vengeance

    [Arella]“No no no!” Lisa screeches, stumbling back like the floor beneath her just cracked open. “H-how did you find us?!”Her voice pierces the air like shattered glass, high-pitched and filled with the kind of desperation only obsession can birth. She's shaking now, her wild eyes darting from me to the little vial still pinched between my fingers.“You conniving bitch!!” Thompson barks, his neck veins bulging as his gaze swings to Vivian.His hand trembles violently as he points between us, rage bleeding into fear. Then he sees Deric. And he pales.“It was only a matter of time before I found you, Thompson,” I say, calm, steady, like the reaper arriving with a smirk. “I’m sure you knew that too.”He begins to back away, every inch of arrogance fleeing his body like air from a punctured balloon. He stumbles until his back hits Lincoln’s bed—and that’s when everything freezes. My blood stops in my veins as he suddenly swings a gun out of his pocket, his hand shaking but deadly, and p

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